'You are home now': Manitoba's Syrian refugees get official welcome

Applause, handshakes and a Cree drum songofficially welcomed Manitoba'sSyrian refugees to Winnipeg during aceremony Monday morning.

"Our home is your home. We're very pleased to have you here," Premier Greg Selinger told Yaser Albakar and his family during the event atWelcome Place, a temporary apartment complex for newly-arrived refugees.

"The weather may be cold some days but the warmth and friendliness of the people of Manitoba I'm sure you will feel it every day.

Selinger, WinnipegMayor Brian Bowman and federal Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr were on hand for the event, along withtraditional Cree women'sdrum group,Keewatin Otchitchak.

A family of nine refugees, who will be living in Altona, arrived on Friday. They were unable to attend on Monday.

Albakar's family of eight, who will call Winnipeg home, arrived in the city on Saturday.

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"The two families have spent several years, having fled from Syria, in Lebanon. And I have to say to them, you are home now. Welcome home,"saidRitaChahal, executive director of Manitoba InterfaithImmigration Council, which operates Welcome House.

More families arriving

An official with Welcome Place said four more Syrianrefugee families are arriving in Winnipeg on Monday afternoon.

They wouldn't say, however, what time they are expected, citing privacy reasons.

Selinger saidsome of the new arrivals are expected to be settled in St. Boniface while others will go toWelcome Place.

"Welcoming thousands of Syrian refugees brings out the best in Canadians," said Carr."The warmth and generosity that our nation has shown to people escaping persecution continues today as we reach out to displaced people literally running for their lives.

"Manitobans yet again are demonstrating their compassion, understanding and hospitality.This is a proud moment for Canada."